Case Number 24925

HAWAII FIVE-0: THE SECOND SEASON (BLU-RAY)

The Charge

Join the Five-0 team for all 23 episodes of high-velocity, crime-busting
action!

Opening Statement

I'm hard pressed to think of a show which uses its shooting location to
better effect than Hawaii Five-0. It's also difficult to conceive of
another series which employs more action set pieces, both in sheer number and
complexity. For a show still in its infancy to already be investing in
season-long arcs is rare, but by engaging in these behaviors it guarantees there
will be no casual viewing of the show outside of a very few stand-alone
episodes.

The Evidence

Picking up right where the Season One finale left off, the Five-0 team is
splintered. The first part of the season is spent trying to get the team back
together, with individual arcs that follow the team for the rest of the
season.

Kono begins the season as a disgraced cop which leads her to work undercover
for HPD Internal Affairs, butting heads with the rest of her team for a few
episodes until everything is resolved. Then she begins a secret romance with the
heir apparent to the Hawaiian branch of the Yakuza (Ian Anthony Dale, The
Event) which has fallout to be dealt with in Season Three.

Chin has a happier arc, as he is cleared of all charges resulting from his
uncle's embezzlement. This leads him to be reunited with his former fiancée
and we have a mid-season wedding.

Danny has one of the more emotional arcs. He begins the season with the
revelation that ex-wife Rachel (Claire van der Boom, Rush) is not
carrying his baby, then has to help her deliver that baby. He's devastated when
daughter Grace (Teilor Grubbs) undergoes kidnapping ordeal, and McGarrett's
mid-season departure subjects Danny to an even more emotional turn.

The longest running arc of the season belongs to Steve, who spends the
entire season wondering about his father's involvement with crime lord Wo Fat
(Mark Dacascos, Iron Chef America). McGarrett starts Season Two in jail,
wrongly accused of assassinating the governor's murder, but quickly resumes his
quest for answers upon his exoneration. This leads him to reconnect with his
former CO Joe White (Terry O'Quinn, Millennium) and the duo pair up to
discover the identity of Shelbourne, who has all the answers to Steve's
questions.

What Season Two does well is employing action set pieces. From hand-to-hand
fights to elaborate explosions, few shows can match the epic cinematic fell this
series provides. The action is always organic, with very few moments coming
across as gratuitous. Another thing Hawaii Five-0 does well is character
development. The comedic repartee and emotional bonds between these characters
(especially McGarrett and Danno) takes place during transitional shots; one of
the smartest things the writers could do, as the flow of the action is never
broken.

Hawaii Five-0 also has a knack for evolving compelling story arcs
which not only drive the season but culminate in a finale that clearly leaves
the viewer with questions for Season Three. No single character is
short-changed, as each of the four members of the task force close the season at
the beginning of a new chapter. It's one of the most satisfying season finales
I've seen in the genre.

To its credit Hawaii Five-0 does give more than a passing nod to its
1970s predecessor, using actors from the original series whenever feasible, but
never to greater effect than when Ed Asner reprises his role as con man "August
March." I was never into the Jack Lord incarnation, so I have no problem
appreciating this one. It's action-filled with a team of characters I love
following each week, and the writers have done a great job delivering
payoffs.

Presented in 1.78:1/1080p high definition widescreen, the visuals are
specifically enhanced to showcase Hawaii's beauty. The color timing is such that
we get deep blacks and blues which are almost indigo at times. The colors of the
islands pop and the b-roll plays like a promotional travellogue with scenery to
burn. Iconic theme song notwithstanding, the action of Hawaii Five-0: The
Second Season (Blu-ray) demands a soundtrack which can hold up to the sound
effects and music cues. Thankfully this release doesn't disappoint, as the
DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix more than holds its own weight. The Blu-ray also
includes eight subtitle tracks, a testament to the show's global appeal.

Like the first season release, bonus features are plentiful. A pair of
commentary tracks are a bit inconsistent, in terms of tidbits offered, but the
featurettes are in-depth with a cumulative run time of more than an hour. There
are also a fair number of deleted scenes and a surprisingly long gag reel. Fans
may be most impressed by the inclusion of an NCIS: Los Angeles crossover
episode, part of a two-part storyline which played over both CBS shows.

The Rebuttal Witnesses

The biggest weakness of the season is the introduction of character Lori
Weston (Lauren Graham, Chicago Fire) who's introduced to the Five-0 task
force at the behest of the acting governor. Just like she's forced onto the
team, her "feelings" for McGarrett are equally forced. The character never does
the job she was sent to do and her quick departure is anti-climactic.

Closing Statement

Hawaii Five-0 2.0 is an action-packed series which more than pleases
fans of the genre. Its cinematic nature, compelling storylines, and rich
mythology elevate it beyond a run-of-the-mill Hollywood reboot. I find it highly
watchable.